Streets

The city street system consists of 18.6 miles of city streets, excluding Main Street and West Line Street which are state highways owned and operated by Caltrans, 2.4 miles of alleys, and about 0.4 miles of bike path. In addition, the city operates 13 parking lots in and near the downtown core of the city. One measure of the condition of streets is a Pavement Condition Index. The overall Pavement Condition Index for the streets and alleys in Bishop is 55 – the border line between poor and fair. An analysis done in 2009 suggested an investment of over $1 million per year would be needed to improve the pavement condition over time to between fair and good. In addition to pavement improvement or rehabilitation work, there are significant drainage, storm water quality, and sidewalk needs in many areas. Most needs are met with State Transportation Improvement Program funding provided through Caltrans and the Inyo Local Transportation Commission (LTC). Street improvement often involves the controversial removal of large trees on the city right of way.

Encroachment Permits

Permission is needed for many construction, commercial, and special event activities on City of Bishop street, alley, path, and parking lot property. This public City property is usually referred to as “right of way”. The reason the permission is required is to ensure public safety, protect City’s investment in public improvements, and ensure City standards are followed.

Encroachment permits are issued by the City of Bishop Department of Public Works at its office at 377 West Line Street (entrance off of Church Street). The first step to obtain an encroachment is to submit an encroachment permit application. There is usually a fee for the permit as provided for in the City’s current fee schedule. The fee schedule is available from the City of Bishop website.

The completed application is submitted for review and to determine what fee and specific provisions, if any, are appropriate for proposed activity. For more complex activities, including most construction activities, there may be more than one review and update cycle necessary.

When the application has been reviewed, found acceptable, any fee paid, an encroachment permit is approved and issued.